Pack Up the Moon: A Novel

I just picked this book up from the library, having read two of her other books. .. Rachael Herron's Pack Up the Moon is a love story on several different levels.
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And he thinks about her, his ex-wife, all the time. The title comes from the W. For nothing now can ever come to any good. We begin the book with Pree meeting Kate for the first time. Herron has laid a tangled web indeed — but she writes these huge tragedies with such tenderness and gentle exploration that they never tumble into melodrama.

The novel begins in May with Kate and Pree meeting, which triggers Kate having to reach out to Nolan for more than just their casual email correspondence of which, they are only allowed to share memories of Robin. But the novel also dips back to year-old Kate meeting Nolan for the first time, falling deeply in love with him and being crushed by his moving away.

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Just to forget about it for a minute. Because I never forget about it. Not even for a minute. We certainly come into this story at a seeming lull in events though, as everyone knows, there are no dips and lulls in grief, not really. Once he told me my ass was fat in front of his first-grade teacher. Mar 19, Gayle rated it liked it. Unbeknownst to Nolan, Kate was pregnant when he moved. She never told him, and instead put her infant daughter up for adoption.

The baby was adopted by a lesbian couple, who named her Pree Full review here: The baby was adopted by a lesbian couple, who named her Pree. Twenty two years later, Pree tracks down Kate. In the intervening years, Kate and Nolan reunited and eventually married. They had a son, Robin, who developed cancer at the age of 8. Nolan survived, Robin died. Nolan has served time in jail for euthanizing his son. Pree, meanwhile, has secrets of her own that have propelled her to find Kate and establish a relationship with her.

Pack Up The Moon sounds like a very depressing book, and the passages about Robin and his death are certainly very, very sad. I liked the characters, who were quirky and different.


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Nolan was pretty interesting to me — a former lawyer now working on a street cleanup crew, the only job he could find after serving jail time for mercy killing his son. Pree is a video game designer and into street art stickers, a subculture that I knew nothing about.

Kate was a pretty complicated character too — she seemed rather straightforward at the beginning of the book, but the end reveals many complexities and surprises within. I found the passages describing the interplay between the characters the most convincing and interesting. These flawed but human characters were thrust into rather extraordinary circumstances, and I thought Herron did a good job of trying to predict how they might react. She was also generous in her depiction of the various ways we experience grief.

Jun 24, Lloyd Russell rated it it was amazing. Rachael Herron's Pack Up the Moon is a love story on several different levels. It's the love of parents Kate and Nolan for a son Robin. It's the unrequited or is it? It's the love of 2 moms Isi and Marta for their adopted daughter Pree. But, most importantly, th Rachael Herron's Pack Up the Moon is a love story on several different levels. But, most importantly, this is one terrific read. Let me chronicle some of my reactions: I cried twice in those 8 pages.

Here are some other elements what is this, a chemistry chart? I love that Kate, and then Pree, use colors to describe voices it reminded me of The Language of Flowers. I love how the book takes place in but skips back in time to what always seems like the appropriate place. I love the fact that there are moments of awkwardness among family members that make perfect sense. And I love the writing: Here's a description of the 2 adoptive mothers being at Kate's bedside during delivery - even before Kate chooses them for Pree: It didn't feel like they were auditioning - it felt like they wanted to be there, like somehow they cared, and it had been so long since she felt it that she leaned toward it like a sun-starved daisy.

You could rest a cup of coffee on that laugh. May 13, Belinda rated it liked it. At her first art exhibition since the death of her son, Kate Monroe meets a young girl - her adopted daughter, who she gave up 22 years ago that day. Her daughter, Pree, has issues of her own. She is pregnant to a man she loves but has feelings for her married boss. There's also Nolan, Kate's ex-husband, who may or may not have been responsible for the death of their son.

I don't think there's an experienced romance book reader out there who couldn't plot what happens in the rest of this book. Th At her first art exhibition since the death of her son, Kate Monroe meets a young girl - her adopted daughter, who she gave up 22 years ago that day. That said, for what it is, in most part this book succeeds - it's well written, there's a suitable amount of angst and drama and the resolution is satisfying and complete.

However, amidst all the gentle romance-novel stylings there were these really random moments of explicit language. My baby is dead I can't use colour anymore I am so sad angst angst drama he was just the kind of fuck I needed oh my dead son's room sad sad Pree: What should I do I'm pregnant but I'm so young oh my boss is so cute he put his fingers in my pussy hard and I came oh my lovely sweet creative boyfriend and angsty feelings about motherhood I wish I knew what to do I wish my boss would take me into an alley and fuck me hard against a wall Seriously, WTF?

I have no problem with explicit language but it was so out of place of the rest of the novel. More specifically, it didn't serve the narrative but did disrupt the flow of the book and jar the reader out of the story. Therefore, it shouldn't be there. Nov 26, Heather rated it it was amazing. Pack up the Moon is the most recent foray into human emotion by author Rachael Herron. She has, yet again, written masterfully about love, loss, and healing.

This book follows the lives of Kate Monroe and her family in the aftermath of a traumatic loss. Rachael has said that as a dispatcher she often wonders what happens to families after they call, how they deal with the death of a beloved family member. This book examines exactly that sort of situation.

Your heart will break as you learn what happened and watch how each of the characters try to live life after their hearts are completely shattered. But the redemptive power of love and forgiveness will also stitch your broken heart back together. I loved Nolan and I ached for him through much of the story … and he was a convicted felon. This is a must read book and I give it my highest recommendation. Apr 14, Bobbie Phlieger rated it it was amazing.

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and was actually excited to start reading it. I had never read any of Rachael Herron's books before, but the title and the storyline seemed to catch my eye as a good read. I was not disappointed! I truly loved this book from beginning to end. What I loved about it most was that part of it I could relate to.

It's a story of choices and mistakes, love, and loss, but also one of a new found hope and the rebuilding of a bond between a child and parent th I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and was actually excited to start reading it. It's a story of choices and mistakes, love, and loss, but also one of a new found hope and the rebuilding of a bond between a child and parent that was long overdue.

This story is so down to earth. It's one that many people can appreciate, having been in similar situations with the loss of one child but still having one somewhere out there. I've come to realize over the years that in relationships, mistakes are inevitable, but it's how you deal with them that is important.

Herron's story is a prime example of how there is always hope with second chances! Feb 23, Deborah rated it it was amazing. Loved this book and looking forward to reading more from this author. Jan 24, C Turner rated it really liked it. Kate is an artist trying to move on with her life, following a terrible tragedy which destroyed her family. When the daughter she gave up for adoption 22 years previously walks into her life, she is forced to come to terms with the secrets of the past, along with her own darkest demons, and will find out whether there can be a real future after heartache.

Although this story centres around tragic events, they are in the past, and I didn't find this a particularly harrowing read. There are many mo Kate is an artist trying to move on with her life, following a terrible tragedy which destroyed her family. There are many moving scenes, which for sure will resonate deeply for a lot of readers, but on the whole it's a gentle, thoughtful read.

The most appealing aspect of the story is the endearing and convincing characters. Their flaws are authentic yet forgivable; their strengths unique and finely-observed. I was immersed in their emotional journeys, and thoroughly rooting for the broken relationships to be fixed. There are several memorable set-pieces which will remain with me for a long time, thanks to Herron's keen eye for detail, and her ability to create moments full of tension and emotion from everyday experiences. The structure of the novel is highly effective: Meanwhile we're taken back in time to Kate and Nolan's early romance and the circumstances around the adoption.

I don't read romance as a rule so I was surprised by how engaged I was by the story of young love. Although the themes are timeless, it's a very modern story: I loved the thoughtfulness and truth of this novel. Highly recommended to any reader who likes emotional fiction with truthful relationships and hope at its heart. Jan 26, Joyce rated it liked it Shelves: I would rate this novel 3. This is the first novel by Rachael Herron that I have read. Although the storyline was great and the writing was well done, I have given it only 3.

Without the profanity, I would probably have rated it 5 stars. The story revolves around Kate, an artist, who gave up a baby when she was 16 and has lost a son 3 years ago who was terminally ill, Nolan, her ex-husband who is the love of her life and has just spent in I would rate this novel 3. The story revolves around Kate, an artist, who gave up a baby when she was 16 and has lost a son 3 years ago who was terminally ill, Nolan, her ex-husband who is the love of her life and has just spent in time in prison in connection with their son's death, and Pree, a young woman who has just found her birth mother, Kate.

The drama between these 3 people is very intense and their emotions are portrayed vividly by the author. Feb 22, Samantha Ng rated it did not like it. Boring book with character and storyline that is very slow. Only survived the first few chapters. Oct 30, Lita Bouquard rated it liked it. Jan 19, Jocina rated it it was amazing. Such poignant writing, this book just breaks my heart. Jan 02, Esther Gulli rated it it was amazing.

A beautifully written novel about family and grief. Jan 28, Charlotte Lynn rated it it was amazing. After being apart for a few years, Kate and Nolan, high school sweethearts, meet again at college. Their relationship starts right off where it left off when Nolan was forced to move with his parents to Hawaii.

The only stipulation is not to talk about the past, to just move forward from their college years on.

Fast forward many years later, they are married and have a son, Robin, who is not healthy and failing fast. A tragedy tears their family apart, Kate and Nolan do not talk for three years. As Kate starts to put her life back together, she hosts an art show and meets Pree, her daughter that she gave up for adoption. There are lots of questions to some very tough questions, questions Pree and Kate are not sure they are ready to ask or answer.

Pack Up the Moon is a book that is full of heartbreak, but despite the tough theme of the story it is so heartfelt and uplifting. It is the story of a mother and wife who has lost her son and then found her daughter, who was never forgotten. Even the sadness of losing Robin is told in way that does not pull the reader down. Kate handles the loss with grace and dignity. As expected, she has her days where it is impossible to even get out of bed and face life without Robin, but she manages to pull herself together and know that Robin needs her to keep living.

Pree is the second part of this story. Not really a secondary character, as her character had a huge part of the story. Pree is the daughter that Kate gave up so that she could have a better life than a sixteen year old could give a child. Kate starts to come back alive and live life again. I absolutely love Pree. She has spunk and character, while keeping it real and not getting caught up in the I was adopted, poor me, attitude.

She understood better than many would why she was given up. This is a book I could not put down and am sad that it is over. I have no doubt that it is a book I will reflect on often and will stay with me for a long time. Nov 26, Rosalinda rated it it was amazing. This is the first of Rachel Herron's books I have read.

The story grabbed my attention immediately and took me for a quick ride. They were flawed characters too, which of course is necessary to make them seem real. I was super impressed by how Rachael took mannerisms of each character and sprinkled them through out the book, leaving no doubt who was who and their relationship to one another.


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    6. I was also impressed both women being artists, but fr This is the first of Rachel Herron's books I have read. I was also impressed both women being artists, but from different spectrums of the art world. That is so believable because the influences and experiences would have been different , while the talent was there genetically. I had some issues believing certain things, however, I realize those are my perceptions of the world. Adoption was one of them. I have known several teen moms and not one has ever given up her child. I also, found a couple things unforgivable, apparently that's just me.

    Seriously, tears were shed toward the end. That just shows a great writer can move people unfamiliar certain scenarios. A 5 stars This was a lovely gift. I was excited to receive this book from Penguin to review, just reading the synopsis, but when I started the actual book is when I felt really lucky. This is such a touching, emotional story based around really realistic characters who people can completely relate to. When is too late? Herron does an outstanding job in this novel really showing us true characters with real struggles.

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    This is the first Grade: You see how one choice can affect so many people, and you see just how people choose to handle that. The daughter trying to figure out her life without a mom, and a Father who never knew about his daughter, and has been crushed, not only by the loss of his son, but the loss of his marriage as well. Complex, confused, broken but beautiful. I suggest this novel to people I meet in bookstores now, my book club, and friends and family.

    Thank you Rachel Herron! Feb 24, Sue Latham rated it really liked it. It has everything, makes you feel for the characters, smile, cry and get angry with them. Not a story to forget too soon. Sep 23, Moon Love rated it it was amazing Shelves: I'm not even sure where to start describing how amazing this book is.

    I've become accustomed to becoming emotional while reading Rachael Herron's novels, especially since she writes characters you can't help but love.

    Pack Up The Moon by Anna McPartlin

    Aus der Sicht von Emma lernt man ihr Umfeld kennen: Sie hat etwa mittig des Buches offen gesagt: Ich fand sie weder lustig noch anderweitig toll. Jeder von ihnen hatte ihre Macken und Fehler, aber auch gute Seiten. Dann gibt es noch Noel, Emmas Bruder. Er ist ein sehr spezieller, aber auch interessanter Charakter, der mir so noch nicht untergekommen ist. Er hat einfach zu der Geschichte gepasst.

    Sie hat jeden Charakter super mit eingebracht und gehandhabt. Ich mochte es, es war schnell zu lesen und die Charaktere waren vollkommen in Ordnungen. Ob der Titel so ganz passt, ist fraglich, aber in gewisser Weise ist er schon richtig am Platz. View all 5 comments. Mar 05, Sammy Jackson rated it it was amazing. Another fab fluffy uplifting read, shall be trying to find more of hers, loved the two I've read so far. Nov 21, Caitlin rated it it was ok.


    1. Pack Up the Moon by Rachael Herron.
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      5. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book dragged on and on for so long, it was not very appealing to me at all. The plot was so boring and just dragged. The characters, I felt, were flat and boring as well. I had a really rough time finishing this book. Which is too bad because I was looking forward to reading it. Emma is living happily with her sweetheart, John, until the accident. As they were leaving a pub, John gets hit by a car and dies in the hospital. Everyone who knew John grieves, but not as badly as Emma. Emma and her friends eventually help each other out of their sadness and move on.

      A year later, Emma decides to start dating again. Months later, she finds herself falling in love with John's best friend, Sean. When she admits her love to Sean, he admits that he has been in love with her for many years. They start to date and they eventually start a new family together. This book focuses on Emma's choices and events in her life. Emma is a young, twenty six year old, teacher who was widowed suddenly.

      Her best friend is Clo, they are always there for each other in the story. Emma is very witty, sassy, and can be bashful at times. As you read the book, you can see how Emma deals with her loss and sorrow. She always finds a way to get herself back onto her feet. Pack up the Moon takes place in present day Ireland. This is significant to the plot of the book because it shows tragedy can happen anywhere. There are many cultural references throughout the book that can be associated with Ireland.

      I would recommend this book to anyone who would like an angsty romance novel. I would also recommend this book to women, over the age of 15, because characters in the book talk about more mature things. I think this book would be more appealing to women because it is a love story. Nov 15, Betsy VanSweden rated it liked it. Anna Mcpartlin's novel is a very realistic interpretation of a person having to pull themselves out of the grip of grief. Emma looses her long time love John and is forced to start her life over again with the help of great friends who attempt to show her the great parts of life and then push her to let go and move on.

      This novel was interesting because rather than telling the story of a woman getting over something like this quickly, easily, and happily, McPartlin shows that the grieving proces Anna Mcpartlin's novel is a very realistic interpretation of a person having to pull themselves out of the grip of grief. This novel was interesting because rather than telling the story of a woman getting over something like this quickly, easily, and happily, McPartlin shows that the grieving process is not always quick and far from easy.

      This fact is evident in the bottom paragraph on page when Emma finally frees herself from her parents Christmas gathering to go home and drink alone, at which point she opens a bottle of wine and toasts "Happy Christmas" to John, who has been gone for over a year, and then continues to wonder about and miss him pensively. I learned from this novel that a rising and falling plot is not necessarily the same for all novels, one can write a story with no seeming pattern of rising and falling action but rather let the story coast along and come to its conclusion in its own time.

      This ideology is risky because some readers would get bored of it, however it is an interesting technique and makes me curious as to what kind of stories I could tell using such devices. Feb 06, Bridget rated it it was amazing Shelves: I love this book. I keep rereading it, and I will be really sad when I put it back.

      Pack Up the Moon

      The main character is Emma, and she lives with her longtime boyfriend, John. In the beginning of the book John is hit by a car and killed. After that the reader witnesses how people grieve after losing a loved one and the many different stages. John visits Emma in her dreams whenever something important or life changing happens to her, He acts like her guardian angel. I think Anna McPartlin Did an excellent job with the ending. She balances out the emotions in the book.

      The reader starts out sad and ends up happy by the end. The main character is Emma, and she is twenty six by the start of the book. John is her boyfriend and has been since they were sixteen, He is hit by a car after a party. The themes of the story were moving on, picking up the pieces, and acceptance of things that you cannot change. The reader witnesses Emma pick up the pieces a few weeks after John's death by going back to work, and trying to keep herself busy.

      I would recommend this mostly to high school girls and up, because some parts are a little graphic. I highly doubt any guys would like this book all that much. To be brief - This book was about love, loss and growing past that bridge of grief into the waking world. The world with all of it's thorns is still beautiful and can only be appreciated by plucking it from the safe confines of it's natural resting place and experiencing both the beauty and the pain. Emma has lost her boyfriend of many years.

      Her soul mate, her best friend and her lover. On the day of his death a lot happens and she can't reconcile the fact that she has not only lost him but is it To be brief - This book was about love, loss and growing past that bridge of grief into the waking world. On the day of his death a lot happens and she can't reconcile the fact that she has not only lost him but is it her fault?

      Her brother the priest tries to comfort her but he's experiencing his own crisis at the loss of his friend. Things get complicated, as life normally does, and while they all go through their own separate heartaches, they are all together. Through hospital trips, miscarriages, pregnancies, grief and separation - they are all together. Emma and Sean grow closer. Apr 20, Cheryl rated it did not like it. This book is horrible. It has no plot and was slow and pointless from the second chapter. There is absolutely no character development. And the writing is no good.

      I don't think the author has ever heard of complex sentences, or even sentences that are longer than five words. Much of the book was like this and I'm paraphrasing: You know, they do a lot of laughing but very little of the book is actually funny. And the author is or was a comedienne! If This book is horrible. If only we could know what they were laughing about! The book also drags incredibly and should have ended at least pages before it did This is definately not a book I will save.

      Sep 11, Breeanne Schreffler rated it it was amazing. When I got this particular book, at a yard sale. I was thrilled, I love finding books so cheap. I didn't think I'd fall in love with every character, and the author all in one sitting, but I did. I was so captivated by reading it, I wanted to savor it, I put it down when it was getting good, which every end of the chapter had me guessing, but I didn't want the book to end.

      I love Anna McPartlin. Nov 25, Danica rated it really liked it. I prepared myself for a dark book about loss and the journey that follows. I had picked up this book to read and then put it down before the first word just not ready to 'go there' yet. When I finally 'went there', I did find a story about loss and the journey that follows. I also found a story with many more dimensions This book starts off with an unhappy ending and ends with a happy beginning.

      There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Anna McPartlin was born in In the early nineties, Anna ran an alternative cabaret called Tales of the City in a run down bar on Capel Street. The show comprised of a Dutch torch singer, a folk rock band, an ancient alcoholic queen of monologues, and a waitress in drag … not to mention comedy.

      Anna was a stand up comedienne for four years and it is her experience writing sketches that ignited her passion for storytelling. Given the amount of upheaval and tragedy Anna has experienced in her life from a very young age, it is no wonder friends and family are what she cherishes most and evidence of this is in all of her work. It tickles your funny bone, tugs at your heartstrings, and reminds you to never give up on love.